Setting a Christmas table is a joyous job, but one we want to get right. We’ve seen the tablescaping trend go through the roof this year, but whether you’re looking to share your festive spread on social media or keep it for your eyes only, you’ll want to know how to lay the perfect Christmas table.

After all, it’s the biggest meal of the year – an important time where many of us get together with friends and family, so you’ll want your Christmas table decoration ideas to be just as special as the moment itself.

Setting a table: How to lay the perfect Christmas table

If past table settings have included a random scattering of crackers and a tatty tablecloth, then it’s time to up your game.

From Christmas place settings to simple table decor and flower arrangements, there are many ways you can create a Christmas table to be proud of. Read on for our tips and a sprinkling of tabletop magic…

1. Make preparation key

Image credit: Dunelm

It’s best to dress the table the night before Christmas. Why? So you have plenty of time to hunt down missing cutlery and crockery, to check glasses are free of watermarks, and it also means you won’t be thrown off if your guests arrive early.

Not only that, but by preparing your table early it allows you more time to think about an overhead display, like these hanging paper decorations, or dressing the shelves and surfaces in the room to create a beautiful ambience.

Buy now: Hanging paper decorations, from £2.50, Dunelm

2. Theme your table

Image credit: George Home

When you choose a theme for your table, you can really do as much or as little as you like. It could be you simply choose one key colour to pick up in your tablecloth, napkins and table arrangement, or you may want to go all out with a specific ‘look, whether it’s nature-inspired with lots of wood and greenery, or Art Deco opulence, such as this table above.

From peacock feathers and gold-sprayed fruit, to earthy colours and Scandic-style decorations, the world is your oyster. So get creative and come up with a theme that not only suits your home, but calls to your imagination, too.

Buy now: Rose-gold effect bowls, £12 for four, George Home 

3. Add a show-stopping place setting

Image credit: John Lewis & Partners

Layering your table is key, so decide if you’re using a tablecloth or runner (or both), then pop a charger or beaded placemat for each place setting, topped with your choice of crockery and bowls.

When it comes to your napkin, decide if you want to make a feature of it with some serious Christmas napkin folding origami (bows and Christmas tree designs are easy to fold), or whether you’d rather use an ornate napkin ring as shown above.

4. Show off an eye-catching centrepiece

Image credit: Future PLC/ Dominic Blackmore

Depending on the size of the table, you might already be struggling to fit on all your glasses and crockery. If that’s the case, avoid cluttering it up further with tealights and other decorations. However, it’s always worth squeezing in a Christmas table centrepiece idea. Just remember, bigger doesn’t necessarily mean better.

A long planter with pillar candles nestled into moss keeps things simple, and the shape works well with a standard rectangular-shaped dining table.

5. Have fun with personalisation

Image credit: Simon Brown

Welcome your loved ones to the table with a handwritten place setting. This could be as simple as a card, or you could double up and create small gifts for your guests. Perhaps a small succulent with a chalkboard label bearing their name? Or a personalised bauble or cracker? Feel free to let your imagination run wild – just make sure, whatever you settle on, that it works with your overall theme.

Oh, and one last thing – before everyone sits down to eat, make sure you share your carefully laid table with the world! Take a quick snap for Instagram, and add the hashtag #tablescape so that others can seek out your scheme for inspiration. It’s also a good term to search with if you’re looking for ideas.

The post Setting a Christmas table – a step by step guide to styling appeared first on Ideal Home.

Christmas is a magical time of year – and one mum has taken that literally by creating her very own Harry Potter-themed Christmas tree.

The much-loved books and films have been brought to life, with decorations that include broomsticks, hand-made baubles and even a mini Dobbie the house-elf, all for just £92.

If you’re all out of bauble display ideas or want an alternative Christmas tree, then you might want to take some inspiration from mum-of-three Louise Howard. Running her own party and balloon business in Bristol means that Louise is a dab hand at decorating and always has craft bits to hand.

Harry Potter-themed Christmas tree

‘Last year, we created a Grinch tree, which we all loved,’ Louise told money-saving Black Friday app. ‘This year we were struggling to come up with an idea for a theme, until one of us suggested a Harry Potter tree.’

Image credit: Louise Howard

Image credit: Louise Howard

‘Our tree is actually 20 years old,’ says Louise. ‘I purchased it for my daughter’s first Christmas and she is 21 next month! I’ve used it every year and I would never change it unless I really have to.’

‘It was originally from Woolworths and has been through three house moves with us. When I first met my husband he had always had a real tree and for the first year or two, he suggested we get a real one – now even he’s attached to it.’

The very first item that Louise bought for the tree was the topper – ‘I went straight on Amazon and purchased a sorting hat,’ she says. ‘Then I went to B&M and Home Bargains to see what Harry Potter things they had. I managed to get a few bits, but nothing much.’

‘I almost just used the white and silver baubles we already had, but by this point, I’d already spent £38 on the sorting hat and some floating candle lights, so I decided to rein it in and keep it cheaper.’

Image credit: Louise Howard

Image credit: Louise Howard

The post Creative mum’s incredible Harry Potter-themed Christmas tree is completely magical appeared first on Ideal Home.